DEAL ACCEPTED: John Mateer Wins Sammy Baugh Award, Cementing Status as Nation’s Top Quarterback
The University of Oklahoma football program has reached a significant milestone with quarterback John Mateer being named the recipient of the 2025 Sammy Baugh Award. Given annually to the top passer in college football, the Sammy Baugh Award is one of the sport’s most prestigious individual honors. For Mateer, it is the culmination of a season defined by leadership, resilience, and excellence under pressure.
This victory not only marks a career-defining moment for Mateer but also reflects the upward trajectory of the Sooners under his stewardship. After a competitive and tumultuous year in college football, Mateer’s consistent brilliance helped Oklahoma re-establish its place as one of the nation’s elite programs.
The Rise of John Mateer
John Mateer’s journey to national stardom hasn’t been one of overnight success. Originally a three-star recruit, Mateer was largely overlooked by some of the blueblood programs coming out of high school. But Oklahoma saw potential — a high football IQ, above-average arm strength, and a gritty determination that couldn’t be measured by recruiting rankings alone. The Sooners took a chance, and that investment has now paid off in historic fashion.
Mateer began his career as a backup, patiently learning the system and developing his skillset under pressure. When he finally got his shot to start, he took full advantage, delivering one breakout performance after another. By the end of the 2025 season, Mateer had thrown for over 4,300 yards and 38 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. His completion percentage hovered around 71%, and he maintained a passer rating well above 170 — a testament to his accuracy and decision-making.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Mateer’s true value came in moments of high stakes, particularly in tight games against ranked opponents. Whether it was a last-minute drive against Texas in the Red River Rivalry or a poised fourth-quarter comeback against Kansas State, Mateer consistently demonstrated the poise of a seasoned veteran.
Sammy Baugh Award: A Historic Legacy
Named after the legendary Texas Christian University quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer, the Sammy Baugh Award is reserved for the very best at the position. Past winners include some of the biggest names in football history — from Steve Young and Ty Detmer to more recent stars like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. For Mateer, to have his name etched alongside such company is both a personal triumph and a mark of his impact on the college game.
The award is presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, which considers not just raw statistics but also leadership, consistency, and the ability to elevate a team. This year, Mateer beat out a competitive field that included ACC standout Malik Johnson, Oregon’s dual-threat sensation Travis McNeil, and Michigan’s veteran passer Blake Anderson.
In a statement released by the Touchdown Club, Mateer was praised for his “elite command of the offense, precision under pressure, and the intangible leadership qualities that make quarterbacks truly great.”
Oklahoma’s Resurgence
Mateer’s emergence coincided with a revival of Oklahoma’s football fortunes. After several years of transition — including conference realignment and a revolving door at the quarterback position — the Sooners found stability under Mateer’s leadership. The team finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, earning a berth in a New Year’s Six bowl game and climbing into the top 10 of the final College Football Playoff rankings.
Head coach Brent Venables, now in his fourth season at the helm, credited Mateer with being the “heartbeat” of the offense and a “coach on the field.” Speaking after the award announcement, Venables said, “John brought a sense of calm and confidence to the huddle. He’s not just our quarterback — he’s the engine that makes us go.”
Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby echoed those sentiments. “His football IQ is off the charts. He sees the field like a pro and prepares like one too. What he’s done for this program goes beyond the stat sheet.”
NFL Buzz and What’s Next
With the Sammy Baugh Award now in hand, speculation has already begun about Mateer’s NFL future. Scouts have taken notice of his accuracy, quick release, and ability to read defenses at a high level. While some draft analysts still view him as a mid-to-late-round pick due to concerns over mobility and deep-ball consistency, others believe the Sammy Baugh win could vault him into the early rounds.
Mateer has not yet announced whether he will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft or return for his senior season. In post-award interviews, he remained noncommittal, saying only, “I’m focused on finishing strong and representing Oklahoma the right way in our bowl game. After that, I’ll sit down with my family and coaches to decide what’s best.”
If he does return, the Sooners would instantly become one of the early favorites for a playoff run next season. If he chooses to go pro, he’ll leave behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
A Symbol of Determination
John Mateer’s rise from an unheralded recruit to the nation’s top quarterback is more than just a feel-good story — it’s a testament to hard work, patience, and belief. He didn’t come to Norman with headlines or hype, but he leaves with a place in Oklahoma football lore.
As fans celebrate the first Sammy Baugh Award in program history, it’s clear that Mateer’s impact reaches far beyond the trophy itself. He brought stability to the quarterback position, elevated the team on and off the field, and became a symbol of what’s possible with perseverance and purpose.
No matter what the future holds, John Mateer will forever be known as the quarterback who put Oklahoma back on the national map — and did it wi
th class, courage, and a cannon for an arm.